Tuscany, Lunigiana, Bagnone, Italy

Recently restored, detached house in a peaceful location close to Bagnone, with wonderful views over the castle and hills.

Entered via steps to the first floor, the accommodation comprises living room with wood burning stove, arched opening into airy fitted kitchen / dining room with open fireplace and lovely views. WC / laundry, and under-stairs storage. Stairs to second floor comprising two bedrooms plus bathroom with shower.

Restoration works include new roof, new electrics, new plumbing, boiler and heating system. New double-glazed windows throughout. The living accommodation is simply and tastefully decorated, with an easy flow.

Outside is a terrace and small garden with lovely views.

Below is a good-sized taverna with fireplace, and garage. Easy car access, and private parking for 1 car in addition to the garage.

The house sits in a quiet and peaceful location in a little village close to Bagnone. Bagnone is a charming medieval town dominated by a castle and a cobbled piazza is ideal for watching the local town life go by while sipping a cappuccino in one of the many cafès. Cobbled lanes with interlinking archways and restaurants hidden under the stone vaults, shops offering local produce and the backdrop of the mountains make this a particularly pretty town in the area. Licciana Nardi is a town in the Taverone valley with a 13th century pedestrian street flanked with local shops. Central in the town is the Piazza del Municipio which hosts the 16th century Malaspina castle and many festivals such as the Chestnut Festival in the autumn. The castle is linked to the baroque church by a covered bridge so that the nobles had direct access to prayer and dealings with the local priest. There are also a bank, schools, restaurants and medical facilities. The nearby village of Monti has a castle on the hill above and offers a good selection of amenities.

The rolling landscape is liberally sprinkled with castles of Medici or Malaspina vintage and for lovers of the coast the sea is only just a short hop away. The golden sandy beaches around Lerici and the pebble coves of the Cinque Terre (UNESCO World Heritage site) are ideal for swimming and sailing. The area is criss-crossed with marked footpaths for walks to the hills and mountains. The Tuscan towns of Florence, Lucca and Pisa make great day trips to take in the art and architecture treasures, or just to soak in the italian life, and the coastal towns of Pietrasanta, Viareggio and Portofino are perfect for an aperitivo in the sunshine. Importantly, the airports of Pisa, Parma and Genova are each just over an hour away.

Distances: Bagnone 5 km, Licciana Nardi 10 km, Aulla (motorway and trains) 12 km, Lerici (beaches) 30 km, Cinque Terre 40 km, Lucca 80 km, Pisa (airport) 90 km.